All eyes will be on the Gulf Coast of Lousisana and Mississippi for the next few days as Gustav moves toward those areas. We too need to continue to watch in case of a change in the direction. With that said, I called my friend George Emile, the Vice-President of the Mississippi Professional Firefighters, who lives in Biloxi and was the president of that local before he retired. I let him know that we will be praying for our brothers and sisters to our west, and if there anything they need, to please give me a call and we will do what we can to get the things they need. He told me that the IAFF had contacted him to see if he could find a place for a command post in Biloxi. I told him I hope the response would be quicker from the International this time.

If he does give me a call, I will be putting out an email to everyone and will be looking for assistance with recovery. For those who could be deployed as part of a state response, please keep me informed of any needs our brothers and sisters may need. I want to try and coordinate any relief effort with who ever will be running the show in the affected area. As far as supplies, let's wait and see exactly what will be needed before we make committments.